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Target Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ Dropped Dogs
by Jane Blaile
Dropped dogs. What is it all about? I worked with the vets in Nikolai and asked a lot of questions so I understood it. When a musher stays in a checkpoint, each dog is examined by a vet. The vets listen to their lungs and their heart rate. They check their legs for soreness and stiffness. Each dog has its temperature taken and is checked for hydration and overall attitude. They ask questions to best assess the dog's health. Mushers can ask about specific conditions as well. Either the musher or the vet can suggest dropping a dog. I was told that the mushers really appreciate the veterinarians and are willing to listen to their recommendations. Sometimes a decision to drop is delayed until the rest is over because sometimes rest is all a dog needs to be able to go on.
When the decision to drop was made, a form was filled out indicating the reasons. Then I unhooked a dog from the gangline, hooked it to a lead and led it up the path to the dropped dog line. These dogs might have leg, shoulder, or wrist injuries. Or they might be have upset stomachs. Some have just become too tired to continue.
They all are sad that they must leave their team. So I talked to them encouragingly, trying to use their names, and gently led them up the road. After I attached them to the drop line, I gave them straw and food, ruffled their hair, looked them in the eye and told them to have a good rest. They need to know they are important and going to be OK.
